Prep football playoffs: Bullard’s late interception halts Clovis West rally

Bullard celebrates football playoff victory over Clovis West

Bullard High defeated Clovis West, 35-28, in the second round of the Central Section Division I football playoffs Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 at McLane Stadium.

By

Up Next

Bullard High defeated Clovis West, 35-28, in the second round of the Central Section Division I football playoffs Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 at McLane Stadium.

By

Bullard High almost let one slip away.

Up three touchdowns late in the third quarter, the Knights looked as if they were going to blow out Clovis West for the second time this season – this time in the quarterfinals of the Central Section Division I playoffs.

But then the Golden Eagles mounted their comeback.

They scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, then recovered an onside kick with 5:44 remaining and converted two fourth downs to come within 12 yards of a potential tying touchdown.

Premium content for only $0.99

Bullard running back Charles Williams on the Knights needing a defensive stop in the final few minutes

“I was scared for my life,” Bullard running back Charles Williams admitted. “That was my season on the line.”

But just when all of the momentum seemed to be going the Golden Eagles’ way, Knights safety Mika Kruse delivered.

Kruse stepped in front of an Adrian Martinez pass intended for tight end Caleb Kelly near the end zone and made a game-saving interception that allowed third-seeded Bullard to hold on for a 35-28 victory over No. 6 Clovis West on Friday at McLane Stadium.

“I thought we were going to run away at a couple of different points, but it just never happened to us,” said Bullard coach Donnie Arax. “That was just Mika just making a huge play right there. (Clovis West) attacks the middle of the field very well with their passing game. Mika came through.”

Williams had another huge night, rushing for 175 yards and scoring on runs of 61, seven and two yards. The senior also reeled in a 68-yard touchdown catch.

But just as crucial was a defense that generated three interceptions, including two by Chris Lacey, who scored Bullard’s first touchdown on a 30-yard return of a pick.

Bullard (9-2), which defeated Clovis West 42-23 during the regular season, avoided getting eliminated by a Clovis Unified school for a fourth consecutive postseason.

Bullard had been eliminated by a Clovis Unified program in each of the past three seasons